The City and State has seen a shift in the dominant COVID-19 variant, as KP.2 now accounts for approximately 28.2% of cases in the United States, according to recent data from the CDC. This new variant, a descendant of omicron, has surged in prevalence since mid-March, when it only made up 1.4% of cases.
Experts are anticipating a potential increase in COVID-19 cases during the upcoming summer months, as seen in previous years. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong of the University of California, San Francisco, notes that while there may be a rise in cases, it is expected to be more of a “swell” rather than a significant surge. This pattern of seasonal increases aligns with past trends of COVID-19 waves.
Initial data suggests that KP.2 has more mutations in the spike protein compared to JN.1, possibly making it more infectious. However, there is currently no definitive evidence to suggest that KP.2 causes more severe illness or is more lethal than previous variants. Dr. John Brownstein emphasizes the importance of ongoing surveillance and vaccination efforts to monitor and combat the evolving nature of the virus.
In terms of vaccine effectiveness, Chin-Hong mentions that the current vaccines continue to provide good protection based on his observations at UCSF’s hospital. He stresses the importance of receiving the updated COVID vaccine, especially for those who are immunocompromised or at higher risk of severe illness, such as individuals over the age of 65.
Despite the rise of KP.2, COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S. have not shown a significant increase, signaling a positive milestone for the nation’s fight against the virus. The country’s previous experience with the omicron variant has helped improve preparedness and response strategies for new variants like KP.2.
Experts remind the public to remain vigilant and proactive in preventive measures, including staying up to date with vaccinations and following public health guidelines. Continued monitoring and adaptation to changing circumstances will be key in navigating the ongoing COVID-19 landscape.